Bragging on Family

First thing I do every day on the computer is check email. In that regard I am no different than millions of other people. This morning I received, among the usual assortments of junk mail, a quick note from my uncle. He will, either later this year or very early next-, be published for the 7th time.

The list of accomplishments is long. From his work in the LA Sheriff's office to the creation of the first campus police force at Cal State LA to his 18 years as head of Security for the old Broadway Department Stores to his founding and chairing of the IAPSC. And of course, writing 6 successful titles in the field of Security management and consulting.

Of course, not the least of any of these, is maintaining his 52-year marriage to his 'precious' and raising their 3 children. Of all of them, the latter is far-and-away the biggest!

I wrote about it way-back-when, but I think my favorite thing about my mother's elder brother is his storytelling. I could sit for hours--and sometimes we do at family gatherings--listening to family history, cop stories, Jackass management traits and more.

He is 'semi-retired' these days but such a description belies reality. He and my aunt live near San Diego, and often when we visit my wife's family there we've attempted to visit with them only to learn they're on a cruise or off to the East Coast to attend a conference.

When we were there in December, we were able to arrange a visit and had a wonderful time over breakfast one morning. Before we left their house, my uncle and I spent some time in his office and he pulled out copies of 3 of his books that I knew I did not own. Inside each he inscribed a quick note and signed his name. They sit proudly on the bookshelf at home.